Unmi Abkin's early work centers on the theme of longing, stemming from a childhood of hunger as an orphan in Korea. Adopted into a Jewish-American family, she was immersed in diverse culinary traditions that ignited her passion and defined her unique approach to food. Her culinary artistry, honed in prestigious institutions and through her own restaurants, reflects a profound connection between flavor, memory, and identity. Through her dishes, Abkin tells stories of cultural fusion and the discovery of belonging.
From Unmi Abkin and Roger Taylor, owners of the popular western Massachusetts restaurant Coco and The Cellar Bar, come the secrets to creating bold, balanced dishes built on the foundational flavours of Asian cooking in the home kitchen.